About Batemans Bay

Fancy a beach break on the New South Wales South Coast? Batemans Bay is the perfect place! Located on the banks of the Clyde River Estuary, Batemans Bay is home to the famous Clyde River oyster. Many local restaurants specialise in sea views and seafood. Relax whilst you admire the spectacular views of the Great Dividing Ranges and the Tasman Sea. Did you know that Batemans Bay is the closest beach to Canberra? It’s a great base for a day trip to the nation’s capital, or further afield to explore the beautiful beaches and National Parks of Southern New South Wales.

Batemans Bay: For Active Holidays

Batemans Bay is often thought of as a holiday destination with a friendly, small town spirit. Indeed, you will feel as though you are miles away from the city, with kangaroos and other locals casually ambling about.

Set on New South Wales’ South Coast, Batemans Bay is a gateway to golden beaches, hiking tracks, fishing spots and snorkelling opportunities. While you might spend most of your holiday in the great outdoors, the vibrant town itself is home to stylish restaurants and shops and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a children’s carnival and various competitions.

Batemans Bay Beaches and Water Sports

Batemans Bay boasts a variety of beaches, covered in golden sand and lined by lush foreshore reserves. Some beaches are wild and unkempt, and you won’t see a soul for miles. A short drive from Batemans Bay are a number of areas protected from strong waves, such as Maloneys Beach, favoured by snorkelers and swimmers.

Surfers tend to prefer the rougher waves at Broulee or North Head. These beaches are popular with water-skiers and wake boarders, as well. If you’re an angling enthusiast, you can cast your one off the rocks at many of the area’s beaches, or hire a charter for the day and do some deep sea fishing.

Wildlife Encounters in Batemans Bay

One of the perks of visiting Batemans Bay is that you’ll most likely come across wild animals as you explore the area. You won’t have to leave town to see some kangaroos or wallabies hopping about in your backyard and colourful parrots flying by overhead.

Quite a few walking trails depart from Batemans Bay, along which you are even more likely to get close to some of the locals! There are short trails, such as the 2 km Cullendulla Mangroves Walk, and longer tracks, which begin a bit further from town and make their way along the coast.

Families may wish to visit the Birdland Animal Park, where you can see koalas, wombats and other iconic Australian species or even pet reptiles. Visitors can peer into the nursery to see the park’s newborn animals.

Spending the Day in Town

If you’d just like to relax, you will be able to do so in the town of Batemans Bay, with its numerous shops, cafes and bakeries. Locals pride themselves on that small town feel. Browse the boutiques along Orient and Perry Streets or hit up the Village Centre Shopping Mall along Vesper Street. If you’re hungry, stroll along Clyde and Orient Streets for your pick of dining options with ocean views.

For some exercise, play a game or two at Batemans Bay’s mini golf course. Alternately, stretch your legs as you take in local flora at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. Stop in one of the clearings for a picnic or fire up the public barbecues. The gardens also host photography competitions, and you can view finalists’ entries onsite.

Batemans Bay Events and Markets

Batemans Bay may be a small town, but there are events and festivals throughout the year. Athletic competitions range from a local take on the international favourite 5 km Color Run, in January, to the more serious Batemans Bay Triathlon in April.

In the summer, the Batemans Bay foreshore comes to life with the arrival of the Bells Super Family Carnival, with rides and games for children and adults alike. Go for a ferris wheel tour to take in scenic views over the surrounding area. There are events specifically for children, held at different times throughout the year, such as fishing workshops.

If you’re visiting Batemans Bay over a weekend, you will likely stumble upon a market or two, where you will be able to pick up local treats and mingle with the region’s farmers.

Getting to Batemans Bay

Drive to Batemans Bay in 2 hours from Canberra and 3.5 hours from Sydney. If you don’t have a car at your disposal, you can take a bus with direct service from both cities. The closest airport to Batemans Bay is Moruya, under half an hour’s drive away, with flights mostly to Sydney and Merimbula.